72 People Infected After Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Spreads Across 5 States

A mysterious massive infection outbreak has just sickened dozens of people. Now, officials are wanting others to be on the lookout for symptoms.

According to reports, 72 people have been infected with a strain of E.coli. At this time, cases are being reported across five different states. However, officials have not been able to determine the cause of the outbreak.

"72 people in five states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli. Out of the 72 people impacted, 21 are in Tennessee, 36 in Kentucky, eight in Georgia, five in Ohio, and two in Virginia. The illnesses started on dates from March 2 to March 29. Those impacted range in age from one to 74 years," reported Fox News.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions sent out the alert of the situation. They have also opened an investigation into the outbreak along with the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service and the United States Food and Drug Administration.

"Investigators have not pinpointed a specific food item, grocery store or restaurant chain as the source of the outbreak. The CDC has not recommended people to avoid any particular food at this time but noted the outbreak is a 'rapidly evolving investigation,'" according to reports.

Of the 72 cases that have been confirmed, 8 have resulted in hospitalizations. Officials are asking anyone with symptoms of E. coli to seek medical attention right away.